West Kelowna

A theft ring, working both sides of Okanagan Lake prior to Christmas, has been broken up.

Police announced Monday they have three people in custody in connection with a series of break-ins at Simply Computing in West Kelowna and Kelowna, Best Buy, Sears in West Kelowna and Lordco.

Photo: Contributed

This Dodge Ram is one of five stolen trucks believed to be used in a string of break ins prior to Christmas

David James Bourque, 35, his wife Lisa Marie Bourque, 27 and Timothy John Carrod, 40, were all arrested inside a home on McIver Road in Glenrosa.

Two other people were also arrested inside the home although no charges have been laid against those individuals.

Cst. Kris Clark says police were able to identify suspects after a break-in at the Kelowna location of Simply Computing on Springfield Road in the early morning hours of December 23.

"Occupants of a white Ford F350 smashed the front entrance and threw several items into the truck before fleeing the scene," says Clark.

"Police located the vehicle, which had been stolen from Orchard Ford the night before, abandoned on the railroad tracks near Dilworth Drive. The vehicle contained a number of iPads and Macbooks which had been stolen in the break in."

Clark says a suspect was identified in the area of the stolen truck and his identity led police to the home on McIver.

"A search warrant was executed on the house and various items of stolen property related to 14 break-ins were seized. Several stolen vehicles were recovered including parts from a Dodge Ram 3500 valued at over $80,000 and a classic yellow 1969 Chevy pickup."

In all, Clark says five stolen vehicles were recovered.

He says the vehicles were stolen for use in the break ins.

Clark says thieves used various means in which to enter businesses.

He says they would attach a chain or nylon strap to the back of a vehicle to pull the door open or, if that didn't work, ram the vehicle into the front door.

Clark says the total value of items stolen and damage to property easily exceeded $300,000.

The three accused have been charged with various counts of Possession of Stolen Property.